Western Massachusetts Hospital, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an Infection Surveillance Nurse to play an essential role in protecting patients, staff, and visitors by driving the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Program. With a focus on data-driven surveillance and real-time collaboration with clinical teams, this position offers the opportunity to identify, investigate, and mitigate infectious risks across the facility. You will work hands-on in monitoring compliance, guiding staff on infection control best practices, and ensuring that hospital policies meet the highest standards of safety and regulatory requirements.
This is a dynamic role for a clinically skilled nurse with a passion for public health, epidemiology, and quality improvement. You will contribute to hospital-wide initiatives, serve on key quality and safety committees, and help shape policies that have a lasting impact on patient care outcomes. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven—ideal for a nurse ready to advance both their career and the safety of their community.
Scheduled Hours: This is a full-time, 40 Hours per position. The schedule will be 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The scheduled days off will be Saturday and Sunday.
Employees in this position will be required to work mandatory overtime.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
· Conduct ongoing surveillance to identify and investigate infectious conditions, including contact tracing, and collaborate with clinical teams to implement appropriate infection control strategies.
· Monitor and evaluate adherence to infection prevention protocols and hospital policies, providing education and support to clinical staff to promote best practices.
· Participate in hospital audits and environmental safety rounds to assess compliance with infection control procedures and identify areas for improvement.
· Collect, analyze, and report infection-related data in alignment with the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Program and Quality Program.
· Prepare and submit required reports of communicable diseases to local, state, and federal agencies in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
· Collaborate with Employee Health to monitor staff compliance with policies related to communicable diseases and support infection-related employee health initiatives.
· Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of infection prevention policies, procedures, and educational programs based on regulatory standards and hospital needs.
· Provide infection prevention expertise as a member of hospital quality committees and support quality improvement efforts including root cause analyses and performance improvement initiatives.
· Conduct infection prevention audits to ensure ongoing readiness for accreditation surveys and compliance with standards set by The Joint Commission and other regulatory bodies.
· Support facility-wide Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives by contributing to the development and evaluation of infection prevention strategies and outcomes.
Required Qualifications:
· Strong knowledge of nursing principles, practices, terminology, and standard abbreviations.
· Proficient in sanitation, sterilization techniques, and infection control procedures.
· Skilled in preparing and interpreting charts, graphs, tables, and statistical reports
· Demonstrated ability to analyze medical data, draw conclusions, and make sound recommendations.
· Capable of gathering relevant information through observation, interviews, and record examination.
· Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey instructions clearly and concisely.
· Experienced in developing and delivering training or instructional sessions using effective educational methods.
· Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
· Compassionate and professional in interactions with individuals experiencing physical or emotional stress.
· Flexible and dependable, with a willingness to work varied shifts.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards governing healthcare and unit operations.
· Familiarity with agency-specific documentation and forms used in clinical and administrative processes.
· Skilled in evaluating nursing practices and effectively communicating regulatory requirements and guidelines.
DPH Mission and Vision:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.
We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
About Western MA Hospital:
The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured citizens residing in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:
Cardiac and pulmonary disease, ventilator dependent patientsChronic neurological disordersDementia with major behavioral issuesEnd stage terminal illnesses of various diagnosesConsider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio anddelivers high quality care to all patients on all units. Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception.
More information:https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
For questions regarding this position please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at1-800-510-4122 ext. #4.
Western Massachusetts Hospital, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an Infection Surveillance Nurse to play an essential role in protecting patients, staff, and visitors by driving the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Program. With a focus on data-driven surveillance and real-time collaboration with clinical teams, this position offers the opportunity to identify, investigate, and mitigate infectious risks across the facility. You will work hands-on in monitoring compliance, guiding staff on infection control best practices, and ensuring that hospital policies meet the highest standards of safety and regulatory requirements.
This is a dynamic role for a clinically skilled nurse with a passion for public health, epidemiology, and quality improvement. You will contribute to hospital-wide initiatives, serve on key quality and safety committees, and help shape policies that have a lasting impact on patient care outcomes. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven—ideal for a nurse ready to advance both their career and the safety of their community.
Scheduled Hours: This is a full-time, 40 Hours per position. The schedule will be 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The scheduled days off will be Saturday and Sunday.
Employees in this position will be required to work mandatory overtime.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
· Conduct ongoing surveillance to identify and investigate infectious conditions, including contact tracing, and collaborate with clinical teams to implement appropriate infection control strategies.
· Monitor and evaluate adherence to infection prevention protocols and hospital policies, providing education and support to clinical staff to promote best practices.
· Participate in hospital audits and environmental safety rounds to assess compliance with infection control procedures and identify areas for improvement.
· Collect, analyze, and report infection-related data in alignment with the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Program and Quality Program.
· Prepare and submit required reports of communicable diseases to local, state, and federal agencies in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
· Collaborate with Employee Health to monitor staff compliance with policies related to communicable diseases and support infection-related employee health initiatives.
· Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of infection prevention policies, procedures, and educational programs based on regulatory standards and hospital needs.
· Provide infection prevention expertise as a member of hospital quality committees and support quality improvement efforts including root cause analyses and performance improvement initiatives.
· Conduct infection prevention audits to ensure ongoing readiness for accreditation surveys and compliance with standards set by The Joint Commission and other regulatory bodies.
· Support facility-wide Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives by contributing to the development and evaluation of infection prevention strategies and outcomes.
Required Qualifications:
· Strong knowledge of nursing principles, practices, terminology, and standard abbreviations.
· Proficient in sanitation, sterilization techniques, and infection control procedures.
· Skilled in preparing and interpreting charts, graphs, tables, and statistical reports
· Demonstrated ability to analyze medical data, draw conclusions, and make sound recommendations.
· Capable of gathering relevant information through observation, interviews, and record examination.
· Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey instructions clearly and concisely.
· Experienced in developing and delivering training or instructional sessions using effective educational methods.
· Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
· Compassionate and professional in interactions with individuals experiencing physical or emotional stress.
· Flexible and dependable, with a willingness to work varied shifts.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards governing healthcare and unit operations.
· Familiarity with agency-specific documentation and forms used in clinical and administrative processes.
· Skilled in evaluating nursing practices and effectively communicating regulatory requirements and guidelines.
DPH Mission and Vision:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.
We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
About Western MA Hospital:
The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured citizens residing in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:
Cardiac and pulmonary disease, ventilator dependent patientsChronic neurological disordersDementia with major behavioral issuesEnd stage terminal illnesses of various diagnosesConsider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio anddelivers high quality care to all patients on all units. Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception.
More information:https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visithttp://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
For questions regarding this position please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at1-800-510-4122 ext. #4.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES:Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. No substitutions will be allowed for the required (B) experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES:Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.